Revue de presse du 09 mars 2017

The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal has given hope to the main Opposition New Democratic Party after reinstating the two petitions filed by the party against the ruling ULP government regarding the results of the December 2015 elections. The ULP presently holds 8 out of the 15 parliamentary seats and a ruling in favour of the opposition would affect the balance of power. However, the Prime Minister has it clear that if his government loses the petition, he would seek a fresh mandate.

The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry states its position on the sale of the BNTCL to Sol Group and says it regrets that their original statement may have unintentionally appeared to favour one of the bidders over the other.

Despite his colleagues’ public withdrawal of their support for the project, Premier Dr D Orlando Smith still maintains that the project is affordable. He also put aside the suggestions by the Health Minister regarding the borrowing guidelines of the Protocols for Executive Financial Management which may be threatened.

The Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce will hold its luncheon this afternoon during which time the business community will discuss the virtues of constructing an international airport in Dominica. This topic has been at the centre of economic debates for decades. In 2013, Prime Minister Skerrit, along with some Chinese engineers visited the proposed construction site.

Secretary General of Human Rights International has written to the Prime Minister Allen Chastanet regarding the case of Dr Ifteka Shams, President of the Lambirds Academy, who was charged with human trafficking and money laundering. Dr Shams lodged a complaint with HRI about the treatment which he endured which led to his incarceration.

According to the Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, who is also the Chairman of the Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, the funds derived from the Citizenship by Investment Programmes in the various countries of the Union play a critical role in their financial standings. Five of the eight members of the Union currently run CBI programmes.

Francophonie Month will be celebrated in Dominica with multiple activities among schools on the island under the theme “J’aime, Je partage”. The activities are being jointly coordinated by the National Commission for La Francophonie, the Ministry of Education and the Alliance Française de la Dominique.